Across thousands of crop fields in Cauvery delta districts a long spell of heavy rain has made it difficult to control pests. Farmers fear that pest attacks might sweep away whatever they could save from their distraught fields.

During this season, crops are prone to pest attacks, however the rain has emphasized the problem. The farmers usually repulse the pests with pesticides and chemical insecticides. However, the heavy rains have made the crops more vulnerable to pest attacks.

According to vice-president of Tamilaga Vivasaya Thozhilalar Sangam, “farmers are required to fight the insects even as they concentrate mostly in draining the fields of excess waterlogging. Man power and money is pinching the paddy growers.”